Moore: Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks can't come up with one last rally to extend season

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) strikes out to end the game as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes clenches his fist in game 3 of the NLDS at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. October 9, 2017.(Photo: Michael Chow/azcentral sports)

It was right there: A chance for the cardiac Diamondbacks to pull off another come-from-behind, walk-off victory to extend a magic season that psychics couldn’t have predicted with two crystal balls and a time machine.

Bottom of the ninth, one out. David Peralta stepped in against Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen, the two-time All-Star who’s harder to hit than a ghost, looking to wrap up an LA sweep in the NL Division Series.

“He threw a cutter,” Peralta said.

It had been a terrible day at the plate for the left fielder known as “Freight Train.” He was 0 for 3 at that point, had seen just six pitches. But he stayed aggressive and slapped a gapper past the shortstop.

“I was just ready for that pitch, and finally I got lucky and I found a hole,” he said. “I’d been hitting the ball everywhere and just couldn’t find a hole.”

Ketel Marte hit a grounder for the second out, advancing Peralta and brining Paul Goldschmidt to the plate, representing the tying run.

He, too, had had a bad night. Two fly outs and a strikeout on just 10 pitches.

But he battled, fouling off three pitches. Then Jansen threw a nasty breaking pitch that Goldschmidt started to go after, before trying to check his swing. It could have gone either way, but the first-base umpire gave him a mulligan. Full count.

Then Jansen threw another wicked breaking ball.

“Chased ball four there,” Goldschmidt said of the strikeout. “Would have liked to get on, give J.D. (Martinez) a chance. (Jansen’s) one of the best for a reason. He got me to chase out of the zone there.”

Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt swings and misses on strike three to end Game 3 as the Los Angeles Dodgers swept the NLDS on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz.(Photo: Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports)

LA manager Dave Roberts put together a starting lineup comprised of 18 All-Star appearances by seven players, four World Series appearances, one World Series championship, two international sensations, one rookie of the year and one soon-to-be rookie of the year.

For the sake of comparison, the Diamondbacks trotted out a group that can take credit for 11 All-Star appearances, two World Series championships and one Cy Young. But Goldschmidt and Zack Greinke account for nine of the All-Star nods and the Cy Young.

So, the Dodgers had the clear advantage in star power and postseason experience.

There also is no shame in the team with the No. 20 payroll losing to the most expensive squad in the bigs.

The Diamondbacks pay about $120 million per year in player salary, about $34 million of which goes to Greinke, the second-highest paid player in baseball.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, spend about $265 million, about $35.6 million of which goes to Kershaw, the highest paid player in baseball.

(The second-highest payroll, by the way, belongs to the Yankees. But the Bronx Bankers spend about $41 million per year less than the Dodgers.)

Still, I think the Diamondbacks should have been able to get past the Dodgers, after beating up on them all season.

Diamondbacks players and coaches watch the ninth inning of NLDS Game 3 from the home dugout in Chase Field.(Photo: Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports)

Goldschmidt, while clearly disappointed, had better perspective.

“I just think of how rare these opportunities are in the postseason so you never know when you’re gonna get that opportunity to be back,” he said.

“There’s nothing we could’ve done different. We gave it everything we had. It just wasn’t good enough these past few days.”

Catcher Jeff Mathis agreed.

“It stings,” he said. “It stings a lot. Especially after the year we’ve had and the special bond that was created in this clubhouse. I mean it’s some of the most fun I’ve had on a baseball field or in a clubhouse in a long time. And that’s something that I’ll hold on to and think about every time this stinging starts in my gut."

Then this: “I wouldn’t call it a ‘missed opportunity’ obviously, we wanted to advance and go to the next round and get as deep as we could,” he said. “But you’ve got to tip your hat to those guys, they played better baseball than we did. So, that’s something that will motivate us. That we’ll learn from and get better from and keep working.”

Daniel Descalso, one of two Diamondbacks players with a World Series ring, agreed.

“I don’t think anybody who gets in the postseason doesn’t think they can win it all, but you’ve got to give the Dodgers credit, they just outplayed us.

“When you get eliminated in the postseason, it just ends kinda quickly, you don’t plan for it,” he added. “You get in the postseason you envision yourself winning the World Series. When you do get eliminated, it just ends fast.”

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Los Angeles Dodgers Yasiel Puig has a champagne celebration in the clubhouse after sweeping the Arizona Diamondbacks to win the NLDS during Game 3 on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Los Angeles Dodgers Yasiel Puig has a champagne celebration in the clubhouse after sweeping the Arizona Diamondbacks to win the NLDS during Game 3 on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Los Angeles Dodgers champagne and beer celebration in the clubhouse after sweeping the Arizona Diamondbacks to win the NLDS during Game 3 on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) strikes out to end the game as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes clenches his fist in game 3 of the NLDS at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. October 9, 2017. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks Archie Bradley throws to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 7th inning during Game 3 of the NLDS on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker (53) is hit by a pitch by Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yu Darvish (21) during the sixth inning of game 3 of the NLDS at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. October 9, 2017. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Los Angeles Dodgers Cody Bellinger catches the foul ball as he falls into the dugout off the bat of Arizona Diamondbacks Jeff Mathis in the 5th inning during Game 3 of the NLDS on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke is taken out of the game by manager Torey Lovullo against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 6th inning during Game 3 of the NLDS on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

A fan reaches for a home run ball hit by Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Daniel Descalso (3) while Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) leaps against the fence during the fifth inning of game 3 of the NLDS at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. October 9, 2017. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Daniel Descalso (3) hits a home run against Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yu Darvish (21) during the fifth inning of game 3 of the NLDS at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. October 9, 2017. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks J.D. Martinez looks at his bat against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 4th inning during Game 3 of the NLDS on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Diamondbacks David Peralta (6) watches a home run land in the left field stands off the bat of Dodgers Cody Bellinger in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the NLDS at Chase Field on October 9, 2017. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Dodgers Cody Bellinger (35) rounds second base after hitting a home run off of Diamondbacks Zack Greinke (21) in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the NLDS at Chase Field on October 9, 2017. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Dodgers Cody Bellinger (35) rounds second base after hitting a home run off of Diamondbacks Zack Greinke (21) in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the NLDS at Chase Field on October 9, 2017. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Dodgers Yasiel Puig (66) salutes Cody Bellinger (35) after Bellinger hit a solo home run off of Diamondbacks Zack Greinke (21) in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the NLDS at Chase Field on October 9, 2017. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Dodgers Cody Bellinger (35) is greeted in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Diamondbacks in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the NLDS at Chase Field on October 9, 2017. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Los Angeles Dodgers Cody Bellinger hits a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 5th inning during Game 3 of the NLDS on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Los Angeles Dodgers Cody Bellinger hits a home run and receives a low-five from Yasiel Puig against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 5th inning during Game 3 of the NLDS on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Los Angeles Dodgers Cody Bellinger (left) is greeted by Clayton Kershaw after hitting a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 5th inning during Game 3 of the NLDS on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke reacts as time is called for a huddle on the mound against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 3rd inning during Game 3 of the NLDS on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke huddles on the mound against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 3rd inning during Game 3 of the NLDS on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Los Angeles Dodgers Yasiel Puig licks his bat at the plate against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 3rd inning during Game 3 of the NLDS on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke throws to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st inning during Game 3 of the NLDS on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Jeff Mathis gives a slap on the backside to pitcher Zack Greinke against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st inning during Game 3 of the NLDS on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks Ketel Marte makes it to first base on a bunt against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st inning during Game 3 of the NLDS on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) talks with Arizona Diamondbacks pitching coach Mike Butcher (23) during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers of game 3 of the NLDS at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. October 9, 2017. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks coach Ariel Prieto jokingly covers his wrist while being introduced before game 3 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. October 98, 2017. He was fined for wearing an Apple watch during the wild card game against the Rockies. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke delivers the first pitch of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st inning during Game 3 of the NLDS on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Diamondbacks Zack Greinke (21) takes a moment to himself before pitching against the Dodgers during the first inning during Game 3 of the NLDS at Chase Field on October 9, 2017. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) wipes his head while Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) stands on second base during the first inning of game 3 of the NLDS at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. October 9, 2017. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks A.J. Pollock high-fives Paul Goldschmidt after Goldschmidt hit a 2-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks Paul Goldschmidt hits a 2-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder David Peralta (6) fields a double hit by Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Chris Taylor (3) during the first inning of game 3 of the NLDS at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. October 9, 2017. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Ketel Marte (4) runs to first after a bunt for a hit while Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Cody Bellinger (35) fields the ball during the first inning of game 3 of the NLDS at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. October 9, 2017. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' Gregor Blanco strikes out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 9th inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' Zack Greinke watches in the dugout against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 7th inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte reacts after popping out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 9th inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' J.D. Martinez strikes out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 6th inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' Brandon Drury (center) hits a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 7th inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' Brandon Drury (center) hits a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 7th inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo pumps his fist after Brandon Drury (right) hit a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 7th inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner and Clayton Kershaw all smiles in the 9th inning during their 8-5 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Los Angeles Dodgers' Yasiel Puig licks his bat before hitting a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 4th inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Los Angeles Dodgers' Yasiel Puig reacts to Logan Forsythe scoring on a wild pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 4th inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt hits a 2-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Robbie Ray prepares to take the mound against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt hits a 2-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt hits a 2-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock high-fives Paul Goldschmidt after Goldschmidt hit a 2-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt hits a two-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st inning during Game 2 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' J.D. Martinez hits a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 6th inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 6th inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Oct. 6, 2017, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt walks back to the dugout after hitting into a double play against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 6th inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' J.D. Martinez hits a home run to deep left field against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 6th inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' J.D. Martinez reacts after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 6th inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' J.D. Martinez reacts after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 6th inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' J.D. Martinez reacts after striking out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks picher Zack Greinke watches from the dugout in the 2nd inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock hits a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 3rd inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' J.D. Martinez reacts after striking out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Taijuan Walker hangs his head after giving up a three-run home run to Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner in the 1st inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner (10) hits a three-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 1st inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner (10) hits a 3-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 1st inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner (10) hits a 3-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 1st inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner (10) hits a 3-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 1st inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Los Angeles Dodgers Justin Turner (10) hits a 3-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 1st inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Taijuan Walker hangs his head after giving up a three-run home run to Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner in the 1st inning during Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday Oct. 6, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

October 6, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) hits a three run home run in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks in game one of the 2017 NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports Richard Mackson/USA TODAY Sports

October 6, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) is greeted by manager Dave Roberts (30) after hitting a three run home run in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks in game one of the 2017 NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports Richard Mackson/USA TODAY Sports

Signage is painted on the field for workouts prior to Game 1 of the NLDS between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 6, 2017. Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports